I Am 5 Days Post Op from a Rib Revision. When Will The Swelling Subside?

I just got cast off and while the tip was derotated well and nostrils look great, my nose looks like a long molded chunk of playdoh stuck onto my face. I did not have grafts on my bridge, just around nostrils and columnella, though I did have my nasal bones infractured. It is very disconcerting to look like an alien even though I know swelling is partly to blame. Is it normal to look like this and for how long? My doc does not want me to ice anymore, what else can I do to speed healing?

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swelling 1 week post-op recovery rib graft

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by theboyzmom in Florida

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5 days after rhinoplasty is very early

In cases of revision rhinoplasty, 5 days following significant surgery is too early to tell what the final outcome will be like. Everyone swells after rhinoplasty, and some individuals swell more. Your nose looks like a blob on your face because your nose is actually a moving component of your face. During the early part of your recovery your nose will not move because the muscles of the face that move your nose are also healing from your rhinoplasty. I have been told... more

You just hit max swelling.

Hello, What you describe is very normal. Your nose is at maximum swelling at day 5 typically. With time and compression this will settle down. Noses that undergo revision rhinoplasty surgery can take longer to evolve than primary rhinoplasty noses. Normally, it can take at least one year to finalize a nose, so be patient as you have a while to go. Go speak to your surgeon about after care options to optimize your nose surgery recovery. Keep the lines... more

How long will swelling last post revision

This is very normal for a revision that is extensive enough to require a rib graft. You get more sweliing and it takes longer to subside. I advise all my revision patients that we are embarking on an 18-24 month process intil we see complete healing. There will be lots of improvement stops on the way but be patient and be prepared for a long healing time.